Robert (Bob) Hanson

Sept 3, 1940 – Dec 6, 2023

It is with deep sadness that Bob’s family shares the news of his passing at 83 years of age on December 6, 2023.  In his final hours, Bob was surrounded by his wife Heather and numerous family members.  Bob was blessed with his daughters Lin and Kathy, grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Bob’s family was everything to him and he loved them dearly, always saying how blessed he was.

Bob would say he was always happy to be on the right side of the grass.  He loved his morning coffee and newspaper, always reading the sports section first and his favourite cartoon Pickles!!

Born in Big Valley, Alberta, the youngest of four, a brother and two sisters, Bob was known as the trouble maker and jokester in the family, often causing his siblings and parents much frustration.  Bob didn’t change much as an adult with his kidding around, numerous scrapes, cuts and bruises, many requiring a trip to a doctor or emergency for attention.  Bob’s family moved to Calgary when he was 9 where he grew up and attended school.  In 1967 he met Heather, leading to a never boring journey of 55 years of marriage. 

Bob had a number of jobs as a young man but his favourite was the car business, where he spent the last 30 years of his working life in sales and management. An amazing career considering he was told by his first manager he’d never make it as a used car salesman as he was too honest!

Bob loved his sports and in Calgary successfully coached a junior men’s baseball team for several years, maintaining a connection with several players to this day.  He was an avid curler in his younger days until arthritis in his knees and a knee replacement slowed him down. He was proud to be an original season ticket holder in 1979 for the Edmonton Oilers. Golf entered his life about 25 years ago and it was a difficult decision when he had to give it up.

In 1982 Bob found another love on his first trip to Maui. It was a tough job getting him on the plane to come home! Having travelled to a number of other places over the years, after he discovered Maui there was no going anywhere else. Maui felt like a second home.  A big perk of retirement was being able to spend 6 to 8 weeks at a time in Maui. His favourite saying was “It’s Friggin Maui Eh” and a family member had a T-shirt made for him.

Bob had a number of health issues over the years but always fought back.  He was known to have more than 9 lives. The big one was being diagnosed with COPD 20 years ago and then being on oxygen. Fortunately pulling an oxygen tank didn’t stop Bob much in his day-to-day life and activities, as he pulled it around the golf course and had no trouble travelling to Maui and still enjoying his beach walks until a few years ago.  A diagnosis of kidney disease in January 2023 was unfortunately more than his worn out body could handle.

Bob loved to nap. It was not unusual for him to doze off with numerous family in the room, who carried on with their activity, knowing he would wake shortly and join in. Unfortunately, he’s having a big nap this time. Bob will be missed by his family and all who knew him.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the doctors and staff on Ward 44 of the Grey Nuns Hospital for their kindness and caring, not only for Bob but for the family.

A celebration of life will be announced in 2024.  Donations in Bob’s memory to a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated.